09 June 2008

9 JUNE 2008

My, how time flies when you’re enjoying yourself! That’s right, work has just got in the way of normal life for some months. Though I’d be less than honest if I didn’t admit that I have enjoyed some of it at least: rediscovering some skills I haven’t used for some time and actually finishing two major (book-related) projects, for instance. There was also the challenge of working for a month off-site and fitting into a different group of colleagues. Character-forming, eh?

But it was weird the way it ate into real life, cumulatively, sneakily. In the end I found myself with no time or energy to do a lot of the things I would normally do: go to the bank, get my hair cut, shop for anything other than essentials, go out at lunchtime to get something to eat and some fresh air. And the second project, the off-site one, left me with a deep loathing of the trek between Barons Court tube station and Blythe Road, which is odd, because I usually enjoy walking, and even took some photos of the area. I’ve been over there briefly before and remember I disliked it then, though not as much – but the area just seems so dead. As far as I know, practically the whole of Kensington was fields and market gardens until the mid 19th century, but undoubtedly Peter Ackroyd is right and areas of London have distinct atmospheres, some of which are easier to live with than others. This time it eventually made me explore a bit and find other routes I’m happier with.

2 comments:

Keith (kcm) said...

You've been tagged from my Zen Mischief Weblog to complete the Book Meme which appears there. :-)

Jilly said...

Yes I know exactly what you mean about places having an atmosphere all their own - whatever their actual physical appearance.
Work getting in the way of real life - yes I'm familiar with that too! My hair needs cutting and I just can't get around to it - I prefer just to pop in and get it done as I hate making appointments. Perhaps I'll get it done next week - that'll make me go out at lunchtime.